ABOUT MULTIPLE MYELOMA

Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the bone marrow plasma cells — white blood cells that make antibodies. A cancerous or malignant plasma cell is called a myeloma cell. Myeloma is called “multiple” because there are frequently multiple patches or areas in bone where it grows. It can appear as both a tumor and/or an area of bone loss, and it affects the places where bone marrow is active in an adult: the hollow area within the bones of the spine, skull, pelvis, rib cage, and the areas around the shoulders and hips.

JOIN US LIVE AND LEARN ABOUT MULTIPLE MYELOMA FROM RENOWNED EXPERTS

Sat, 03/16/2024 –  9:15am PST, 12:15pm EST

Live Q&A with Dr. Joseph Mikhael (IMF Chief Medical Officer). Join Drs. Mikhael Live at the IMF Patient and Family Seminar in Boca Raton, FL, as he discusses the future of myeloma and take questions live from the chat.  

Thu, 03/28/2024 – 4:00pm PST, 7:00 pm EST

Live Q&A with Dr. Urvi A. Shah, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Gain insights about nutrition in this LIVE Q&A from myeloma specialist Dr. Urvi A. Shah, who is spearheading research aimed at developing dietary guidelines for hematological malignancies such as multiple myeloma.

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL MYELOMA FOUNDATION

Founded in 1990, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) is the first and largest global foundation focusing specifically on multiple myeloma. The Foundation’s reach extends to more than 525,000 members in 140 countries worldwide. The IMF is dedicated to improving the quality of life of myeloma patients while working toward prevention and a cure by focusing on four key areas: research, education, support, and advocacy. The IMF has conducted more than 250 educational seminars worldwide, maintains a world-renowned InfoLine, and in 2001, established the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG), a collaborative research initiative focused on improving myeloma treatment options for patients. In 2012, the IMF launched the Black Swan Research Initiative®, a groundbreaking research project aimed at curing myeloma. The IMF can be reached at (800) 452-CURE (2873). The global website is www.myeloma.org.

The IMF’s Impact in 2023

Because of your support, the International Myeloma Foundation (IMF) made huge strides in myeloma research, education, support, and advocacy in 2023. Read the full 2023 Innovation and Impact report now.

Research

The International Myeloma Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for those living with multiple myeloma. We have a range of initiatives to make this happen.

 

Black Swan Research Initiative

 We’ve banded together the world’s brightest minds in research, oncology, and health studies to form the IMF’s Black Swan Research Initiative® (BSRI) – a leading-edge project that pits our scientists and leaders on the frontlines against myeloma.

Asian Myeloma Network

The Asian Myeloma Network (AMN) is comprised of myeloma experts from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand.

International Myeloma Working Group

The International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) emerged from the IMF’s Scientific Advisory Board which was established in 1995. It became clear that there was a need to conduct collaborative research and produce consensus guidelines for the myeloma community.

Nurse Leadership Board

 The NLB is improving the nursing care and self-care of patients with multiple myeloma via consensus publications, symposia, multimedia, and research.

Education

Because “Knowledge Is Power,” the IMF brings educational seminars and workshops to communities near you, and provides a library of publications on multiple myeloma care.

 

Download our Free Publications

Learn about IMF’s library of cancer articles, journals, and other publications for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. All are available free of charge online and in printed copy by mail. Many core booklets and key medical articles are translated as well. 

Language of Multiple Myeloma

A reference list of common terms, acronyms and abbreviations that are used in multiple myeloma.

Watch IMF Videos

From our weekly series “Ask Dr. Durie” to comprehensive news from key cancer medical conferences around the world, IMF Videos are your all-access ticket to critical myeloma research, patient education, and guidance. Check back often for updated content.